I don't own the Star Trek franchise or any of the characters.
The settlement built by the survivors of the Defiant was in a frenzy. Odo paced the halls of the shelter, trying to keep everyone from reaching the makeshift medbay. The Changeling had already had to chase off half a dozen concerned crew members who had no reason to be there when Odo knew very well they should have been doing their jobs. But, then again, how could he blame the crew for their actions when he himself was just as worried about Kira as everyone else, not that he would admit it aloud.
When word got out of Major Kira Nerys' injury from a yar-bear, everyone had been in a rush to try and reach the Bajoran woman before it was too late. After almost a year of being stranded on the planet, the forty-nine person crew had grown increasingly close. Banding together had been the only way to survive. That had caused deep bonds to form between everyone, including those who had previously been strangers before the crash.
Captain Benjamin Sisko, the leader of the survivors, had permitted a few of Kira's closest friends to see her, but had forbidden everyone else from stepping foot in the medbay unless it was an emergency. So far the captain had only given Jadzia, Worf and Odo permission to see Kira, alongside himself and Julian Bashir, Kira's doctor.
Of all those permitted by the captain to see Kira, Odo had yet to visit her. Despite knowing Kira the best out of anyone in the crew, Odo just could not bring himself to face her. The Changeling did not want to admit that he was worried the one he cared for the most might not survive. Nothing Bashir had done so far had helped Kira. The doctor was doing everything he could, but Odo knew he should expect the worst.
If they had still been on the station Kira could have easily been treated. But if they still were on the station, Odo realised, none of this would have ever happened. Kira would still be alright, the crew would go about their daily lives, and he would remain in the shadows just as always. Once, just once Odo wished he could get over his fear and face Kira. He had been given the opportunity to tell her how he felt just before the crash. But he had been too scared, convincing himself that Kira would see him as nothing more than a friend. After all, what solid humanoid in their right mind would fall in love with a Changeling?
Odo shook his head and tried to regain his composure. This was no time to be thinking about romance. But as he turned the corner leading to the medbay, Odo paused. Perhaps just this once he could let his heart lead him. Before he realised what he was doing, Odo had walked into the medbay and saw Kira.
The Bajoran woman was laid out on a table, a spare blanket covering her shivering form. Slowly, Odo approached the table where Kira lay unconscious. He gently caressed her cheek, careful to keep from waking her.
"Nerys, you simply must get better. The settlement needs you. We need your strength and courage if we are to survive. But more than that, Nerys, I need you." spoke Odo.
Odo paused. Should he risk it? There was no one around. Taking a chance, Odo spoke the words he had been wanting to tell Kira for so long.
"I love you, Nerys. I have always loved you." gently spoke Odo.
Odo heard a groan and felt Kira move under his hand. The Changeling froze. He looked down and saw Kira staring back at him.
"Odo?" asked Kira.
What should he do? How long had Kira been awake? Did she hear him confess his feeling for her?
When Odo didn't respond, Kira began to worry. She reached out to touch his arm, only to have Odo jump back like a frightened deer. Kira didn't know what to make of what she saw next. One moment the constable was there, and the next he was gone.
Odo had fled from the medbay as fast as he could. The constable knew his actions were irrational, but he was too overcome by his own emotions to care. He had just done what his instincts told him the best course of action would be. And at that moment it had been to run, hoping to put as much distance between himself and Kira as possible.
Sorry about the late update. Please tell me if anyone seems out of character. Comment if you like the story.